U.S. networks find Canadian shows ready for primetime

LOS ANGELES/TORONTO (Hollywood Reporter) - The Canadian
invasion of U.S. primetime intensifies.

NBC is finalizing a deal to pick up 13 episodes of CTV's
upcoming drama series "The Listener."

The distributors of another Canadian drama, CBC's "The
Border," are in discussions with several U.S. networks,
including CBS and ABC.

And ABC Family is in talks to pick up 13 episodes of CBC's
comedy series "Sophie." That follows CBS' deal this week to
acquire 13 episodes of CTV's new drama series "Flashpoint."

The prolonged writers' strike had triggered a serious look
by the U.S. broadcasters into local series in the top
English-language markets -- Canada, the U.K. and Australia --
reversing a decades-long programming flow in the other
direction.

But Canada is getting all the attention these days. "Canada
is the next big thing," a U.S. agent said.

Canadian series are considered more accessible to U.S.
audiences. They also provide the networks -- whose pipeline had
dried up because of the strike -- with some much-needed
original scripted series.